What is a Rehabilitation Clinic?

A rehabilitation clinic is a facility meant to assist in recovery from a variety of conditions. Patients may visit a rehabilitation clinic to treat a chronic or severe injury or to manage addictions to drugs and alcohol. Clinics may be public or private facilities, and typically feature a medically trained staff to help address patient needs.

Those suffering from an injury that has caused limited mobility or severe muscular loss may attend a rehab geared toward physical therapy. Their time at the clinic may be spent with physical therapists, chiropractors, or practitioners of alternative medicines such as acupuncture. Physical therapy rehab may take place on an inpatient or outpatient basis, allowing patients to continue their daily lives without interruption.

Rehabilitation clinics geared toward fighting alcohol or drug addiction tend to operate on an inpatient basis. Patients may be mandated to rehab by a court, be involuntarily checked in if they are a minor or under certain conditions, or may choose to enter voluntarily to combat their addictions. Programs at drug or alcohol rehab clinics may vary considerably in method, but the shortest recommended stay in an addiction rehab is usually 28 days.

While there are some government-run rehab clinics, private rehabilitation facilities are also quite popular. These clinics offer strict anonymity and privacy, and cater to a variety of wealthy or even celebrity patients. Prices for private facilities can run extremely high, but many provide a variety of luxury services like five-star meals or spa treatments, that can help patients feel like they are vacationing while dealing with their addiction.

For those with low income or financial problems, some programs may be able to offer financial assistance to prospective patients. Contact the clinic or local medical authorities to gain information about any available low-cost programs. A government or charitably run rehabilitation clinic may be able to offer greater help to financially needy patients.

Depending on the severity of a patient's condition, he or she may first be given certain prescribed drugs to promote a quick detoxing of the system, clearing out any affects of current drug use. While staying at the rehabilitation clinic, a patient will then typically meet with counselors and attends meetings with other patients to address their drug or alcohol use. In some cases, patients are prescribed medicine that may help them with cravings and reduce their dependence on drugs.

After completing the program at a rehabilitation clinic, patients may gain access to various transition or outpatient programs run by the facility. These may include group meetings or continued counseling. While it is expected that a patient who has completed a rehab program is capable of monitoring their own progress, good rehabilitation clinics will offer patients a wide variety of ways to keep with their program after leaving the facility.